Date: June 11, 2020 ()

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Today’s feast day is celebrated in memorial of the Apostle Barnabas. In the third century Barnabas was identified by Clement of Alexandria as one of the 70 of Luke 10:1; Tertullian referred to him as the author of Hebrews; and the Clementine Recognitions stated he was the Matthias of Acts 1:23, 26. All of these are most unlikely. His birthname was Joseph, and Barnabas was supposedly only a nickname, which means “Son of encouragement.” Our nicknames mostly carry the traits we are known for. If I were to have a nickname, what would people call me/us?

Barnabas was a native of the Island of Cyprus and a Levite. This explains why he is very likely able to find the company of Jesus and become one of the 70 disciples of the Lord, who is known to have some fishermen in his circle. With his good religious background being a Levite, it would be easier for Barnabas to acquiesce with Jesus who was a great religious preacher too.

While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Everything of Barnabas’ past was not without a nobler reason. Barnabas must have been set apart by God for the work to which God would call him.

Once he became the disciple of Jesus, the values of the kingdom became his wealth, hence, “sold his prized possession, that is, a field that belonged to him; brought the money and laid it at the apostle’s feet.” He supported the Apostle Paul financially instead of depending on churches and courageously vouched for Paul, when the Jerusalem church was suspicious about the persecutor’s conversion. When he arrived (at Antioch) and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced and encouraged them all to remain faithful to the Lord in firmness of heart, for he was a good man, filled with the Holy Spirit and faith.

In our Parish this year we have 90 candidates who are undergoing the “Matthias Project”. We prepare our kids for their reception of the sacrament of confirmation. We groom their hearts to become like Matthias’ who is docile to the prompting of the Holy Spirit.

Jesus tells us today in the gospel: “Unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter into the Kingdom of heaven.” We have in our readings today the example of Barnabas who was by tribe a Levite but was trying to surpass the righteousness that of simply a strict follower of the letters of the law. We gain righteousness by listening to the instruction of the Spirit in us.